Phenobarbital vs. Phenytoin for Epilepsy: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Phenobarbital

Phenytoin

(Dilantin)

Summary for Phenobarbital

Prescription only

Phenobarbital treats seizures and is used as a sedative medication. It's a part of the barbiturate drug class. The most common side effect is sleepiness. It's a schedule IV controlled substance due to the risk of dependence. This means if you suddenly stop the medication, you could get withdrawal symptoms like weakness, muscle twitching, or even confusion and disorientation. There are no brand names available anymore, so only generic versions exist.

Indications for Phenobarbital

Pros and Cons for Phenobarbital

Pros

Works to control seizures and as also as a sedative
Dose can be adjusted based on your response
Available in lower-cost, generic forms
Available as a tablet and liquid

Cons

Can lead to withdrawal effects if stopped too suddenly
Requires regular blood tests to check appropriate levels to determine the right dose
Carries a risk of dependence
Not safe during pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Phenobarbital

Sleepiness
Dizziness
Poor balance or coordination

Warnings for Phenobarbital

Dependence and withdrawal
Drowsiness
Extreme excitement
Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
Harm to newborn babies

Summary for Phenytoin

Prescription only

Phenytoin (Dilantin) is an antiepileptic medication used to treat and prevent seizures in adults and children. It comes in a capsule, chewable tablet, and liquid suspension that you take by mouth. The dose depends on your age, weight, and how well your seizures are controlled. Common side effects include trouble with coordination, unpredictable eye movements, and sleepiness. You’ll need regular blood tests to avoid toxicity, which is when the amount of medication in your body is too high and could be dangerous.

Indications for Phenytoin

Treatment of tonic-clonic seizures
Treatment of psychomotor seizures
Prevention and treatment of seizures during and following brain surgery

Pros and Cons for Phenytoin

Pros

Available as a capsule, chewable tablet, and liquid suspension
Dose can be adjusted based on your response
Extended-release capsule can be taken once a day

Cons

Requires regular blood tests to check levels and determine the right dose
Common side effects include unpredictable eye movements and trouble with coordination
Can interact with a lot of other medications

Common Side Effects for Phenytoin

Unpredictable eye movements
Trouble with coordination
Slurred speech
Sleepiness
Confusion

Warnings for Phenytoin

Withdrawal seizures
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Serious skin and allergic reactions
Heart problems
Liver problems
Lower blood cell count
Effects on Vitamin D and bone
Harm to unborn baby
High blood sugar levels
High phenytoin levels

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Phenobarbital60 tablets / 64.8mg

$17.98-

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Phenytoin90 capsules / 100mg

$22.31$49.63

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Phenobarbital vs. Phenytoin

Phenobarbital

Phenytoin

Summary for Phenobarbital

Indications for Phenobarbital

Pros and Cons for Phenobarbital

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Phenobarbital

Warnings for Phenobarbital

Summary for Phenytoin

Indications for Phenytoin

Pros and Cons for Phenytoin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Phenytoin

Warnings for Phenytoin

Prices with our coupons for Phenobarbital vs. Phenytoin

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Phenobarbital

Phenytoin

Summary for Phenobarbital

Indications for Phenobarbital

Pros and Cons for Phenobarbital

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Phenobarbital

Warnings for Phenobarbital

Summary for Phenytoin

Indications for Phenytoin

Pros and Cons for Phenytoin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Phenytoin

Warnings for Phenytoin